The X5 xDrive40e combines a 245PS four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 113PS electric motor, both of which are able to drive all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox.

Combined power output is 313PS, enabling the car to reach 100kph in 6.8 seconds from rest, and the 9.0kWh battery offers a range of 31km (19 miles), to a full charge. This takes just under four hours from a domestic socket, or two hours and 45 minutes from a 3.5kW wallbox.

As a result, BMW’s first plug-in hybrid outside the i sub-brand returns 3.4-3.3l/100km (83.1-85.6mpg imp) on the NEDC plug-in hybrid test cycle and emits 77-78g/km of CO2 – similar figures to the Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid.

Drivers can maximise the range using three driving modes, which enable battery power to be saved or fully electric driving to be selected. The X5 xDrive40e features intelligent navigation which can manage energy reserves for urban parts of the route, and charging and cabin temperatures can be controlled via a smartphone app.

The X5 xDrive40e can be ordered with almost the entire range of optional extras available for the BMW X5, including Design Pure Excellence and Pure Experience exterior and interior packages, the M Sport package and options from BMW Individual.

Further details including pricing will be revealed closer to the European market launch of the new model, which starts in autumn 2015.